What is Symbicort?

Symbicort contains a combination of budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the body. Formoterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

For people with asthma: Symbicort is for use only if asthma is severe or is not well-controlled on other long-term asthma medicines. Your doctor may tell you to stop using this medicine once your asthma is well-controlled.

Formoterol when used alone may increase the risk of death in people with asthma. However, this risk is not increased when budesonide and formoterol are used together as a combination product.

Important Information

Symbicort is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat an asthma or bronchospasm attack.

Seek medical attention you have worsening breathing problems, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Before taking this medicine

Budesonide can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

To make sure Symbicort is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

an electrolyte imbalance (such as low potassium levels in your blood); or

a thyroid disorder.

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis.

It is not known whether Symbicort will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Budesonide and formoterol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Symbicort.

Do not give Symbicort to a child younger than 6 years old.

How should I use Symbicort?

Symbicort comes with a medication guide for safe and effective use, and directions for priming and cleaning the Symbicort inhaler device. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use Symbicort in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Using too much of this medicine can cause life-threatening side effects. Tell your doctor if you think your medications are not working as well.

Symbicort is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack or COPD flare-up. Your doctor may prescribe a fast-acting inhalation medicine to treat a bronchospasm attack.

Always rinse out your mouth with water after using the inhaler device, to help prevent thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth or throat).

Do not allow a young child to use Symbicort without help from an adult.

While using this medicine, your doctor may need to check your vision and bone mineral density.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems do not improve, or if your symptoms get worse quickly. If you use a peak flow meter at home, call your doctor if your numbers are lower than normal.

If you also use an oral steroid medication, you should not stop using it suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Your dose needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Store Symbicort at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat. Always keep the cover on the inhaler device when not in use. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

Do not try to take apart the Symbicort inhaler device. Clean the mouthpiece every 7 days following the instructions in the medication guide.

Throw the Symbicort inhaler away when the inhalations counter on the canister shows a 0, or if it has been longer than 3 months since you first took the canister out of its foil pouch. The dose indicator on the inhaler will turn yellow when there are 20 doses left in the device. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Always use the new inhaler device provided with your refill.

See also:

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose can cause severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, tremor, or nervousness.

Using too much of a steroid long-term can lead to symptoms such as: thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using Symbicort?

If Symbicort gets in your eyes, rinse with water and call your doctor if you have severe eye redness or irritation.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using a steroid such as budesonide.

What other drugs will affect Symbicort?

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with budesonide and formoterol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.